Q. Our neighbor installed a new fence between our properties and did not tell us he was going to do it. After the fence went up, he asked us to pay half the costs. Do we legally have to pay? Does it matter that they did not consult us about the fence?

Q. I have a will that was prepared some time ago. It is not notarized. Is it still valid?

A. In Texas, a printed or form will is valid if it is signed and witnessed by two people. There is no requirement that a will be notarized. Having said that, however, there are two things in your question that suggest you might want to get a new will prepared.

Q. I have lived with my boyfriend for almost seven years. People have told us that if we live together for more than seven years we will have a common law marriage. We don’t want to be married. Should we just live apart for a few weeks and then move back in together? How long do we have to live apart?

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